OCTOBER
Kenya and Tanzania: Wildebeest and Zebra Migration

Some people spend their lives running in circles. Wildebeests make an art form out of it. Each year, more than 1.5 million of the hairy beasts complete a circuit of 1,800-plus miles from the plains of the Masai Mara to the savanna of the Serengeti in constant search of grass. This movable feast of wildebeest draws hundreds of hungry animals—lions, leopards, hyenas. Zebras join the party, too: Their sharp eyesight and hearing helps warn the wildebeests of approaching danger; the more-delicious wildebeests offer their striped companions a bit of security. Head to Tanzania in late October and early November, when animals blanket the Serengeti Plain; or, plan to catch the spectacular crossing of the Grumeti (Tanzania) and Mara (Kenya) rivers from July through September.

Where to stay: Tanzania's most lavish lodge, the ten-room Singita Grumeti Sasakwa, reigns over 340,000 acres directly in the migratory path of the wildebeest and zebra. Spring for a villa here and you can watch the circle of life unfold on the plains from the comfort of your private plunge pool.

Next: The march goes on in Australia >